Episode II

Asking Anubis is your lifeline for all things death. Today we have a call from a concerned brother...or husband? Dear caller, would you mind clarifying your reason for calling again?"

"Yes, I'm calling about my wife, my sister."

"Oh dear, both your wife and your sister?"

"No...well, yes. Her name is Izanami. She's both my wife and my sister, and I'm both her brother and her husband."

"Ah, I see! A more unique situation to be sure, but one that I am strangely familiar with. Might I venture to guess that you are some sort of deity?"

"Your guess would be correct. I am Izanagi, God of the Heavens. I was one of the first on this Earth, and I created life from the nothing, side by side and hand in hand with Izanami. She was my everything, and now she is gone."

"I'm so sorry to hear. How can I help ease your mind during this difficult time?"

"I need some...guidance? I had a harrowing experience recently, and I really am lost on what to do next."

"Of course, I would be so glad to help outline some next steps for you. So I can better help you, are you able to tell me a bit more about your situation and what you need guidance on? If it's too much, we can always take the call off-air as well."

"No, I don't mind. Maybe this conversation can help someone else, or maybe someone listening can even help me. I suppose I should start from the beginning, because this is a rather complicated situation...

Izanami and I were so in love, and we were delighted with our creations, but we wanted to start a family. Things were a little awkward at first, but we knew each other so well that it was just something to work through. After some time, we were successful, and Izanami was pregnant. Our first child was born, and we had many more after that. They all became powerful, wonderful gods and goddesses and helped us to create the islands of Japan and the life that filled it, and then manage our creations.

Izanami became pregnant again, but this time was different. The pregnancy was much more difficult, and when it was time for the child to be born, things quickly took a turn for the worse. The child, who we named Kagutsuchi, was born safely, but Izanami had died in childbirth due to fatal burns from Kagutsuchi.

I was devastated. I had always had Izanami by my side. She was the only one in the entire cosmos who truly knew and understood me. I had lost my only sibling and my beloved wife. I had no idea how to live in a world filled with my children but without Izanami. So I set out to find her, and bring her back to me.

I ventured to Yomi, the Hollow Land. I found my beloved Izanami, but she said she couldn't leave without permission from the lord of the Hollow Land. She told me to wait for her while she asked for his approval, and I did. I waited for what seemed to be an eternity, until finally I couldn't wait any longer.

I walked into the cave in which Izanami had disappeared, and it wasn't long before I saw her. I called out to her, "Can we go now, my love?" But when she turned around, she was not my love. Her face was decaying, the flesh rotted from her skull. Izanami became enraged that I saw her in such a state, and she chased after me, not wanting me to leave and tell a soul about what I had seen.

I ran for my life, as Izanami and many others chased after me. I somehow made it to the exit of Yomi, and threw the door shut with all my strength.

And now I find myself speaking to you, Lord of the Sacred Land. I'm sitting outside Yomi, and I have no idea what to do now that there is no hope of being reunited with Izanami."

"Please excuse my silence while I think for a moment, dear friend. Your situation is as complex as you have said, and much more burdensome than any of us should have to endure."

"Your kind words are appreciated, and any guidance you can provide will ease my path."

"Unfortunately there are no easy answers to your situation. You must simply continue, which is a task much more difficult than it seems, especially for us non-mortals. Grief is a funny beast, and you must not shame yourself for succumbing to it. It is part of moving on. Although you are a god, there are some very human things that even gods cannot defeat. I think you must do whatever you feel right, and whatever will help you move forward. Talk with your children, spend a day alone, cherish Izanami's memory, these are all things that may help. And of course, you can always call me again, and I will provide any comfort I can."

"I was afraid your answer might be along those lines. I thank you anyways."

"I'm sorry I can't ease your burden more than that. But please do call again. Even if I do not have answers, I can always provide an open heart and a listening ear."